The Boston Red Sox have had a rough start to the 2025 season, with Rafael Devers struggling to find his rhythm. After transitioning from the infield to a full-time designated hitter role, Devers has faced difficulties at the plate. In Boston’s 5-2 Opening Day victory against the Texas Rangers, he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. His struggles continued in the second game of the series, where he finished 0-for-4 again in a 4-1 loss.
Through the first two games, Devers is 0-for-8 with seven strikeouts—an uncharacteristic slump for him. Red Sox manager Alex Cora pointed to timing and patience as key areas for improvement, saying after Friday’s loss, “Not catching up with the fastball. He’s gonna keep working. That’s what he’s been doing the whole time, and he’ll be alright.”
Cora remains confident that the three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner will regain his form. Last season, Devers posted a .272 batting average, a .354 on-base percentage, and a .516 slugging percentage, tallying 143 hits, 87 runs, and 28 home runs. His spring training got off to a late start as he discussed his 2025 role with the front office. In the end, both sides agreed that Devers would focus primarily on his hitting—a skill he knows he must refine after a slow start to the season.